NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices rose in early market trading Sunday after the U.S. said it would blockade Iranian ports beginning Monday.

The price of U.S. crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel and Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29.

Brent crude has swung dramatically during the Iran war, rising from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times. On Friday, ahead of the peace talks, Brent for June delivery fell 0.8% to $95.20 per barrel.

Iran has been effectively controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping.

U.S. Central Command said the blockade would be “enforced impartially against vessels of all nations” entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

It said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Around a fifth of the world’s traded oil typically flows through the Strait of Hormuz every day. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran are all major exporters.

Traffic in the Strait has been limited even in the days since the ceasefire. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire.

Claudio Galimberti, chief economist of Rystad Energy, said the blockade will raise prices but might move the needle on talks.

“It means the oil markets will be even tighter than before,” he said. “However, I think this is a negotiation tactic, which eventually resolves into a full opening of Hormuz. So, more pain now, but more gain later.”

However, Jim Krane, Energy Research Fellow at Rice University, said the blockade might be effective as a long-term strategy to impose pain on the Iranian economy, but it isn’t a good short-term negotiating tactic when the oil market is already under strain.

“If the deficit to the oil market takes another jump it is going to impose pain on every person on Earth that’s subject to market oil prices,” he said.

With the summer holidays just around the corner, these four countries won’t leave you suffering because of the time difference

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Now that we are getting into the brighter and warmer months, many people are counting down the days until their upcoming holidays. Having spent months cooped up inside as the temperatures dropped and snow showers made regular returns, many travellers will be looking forward to some consistent warmth and sunshine.

And for those who have yet to book their holiday, now may be one of the best times as a variety of holiday package providers are offering discounts or reducing their prices of their holiday hotspots. However, while going on holiday can be an exciting prospect, it’s a break from the routine, especially for children.

Considering flight times and hours on the plane are often a factor for families another aspect to consider is the time zone the country of your potential holiday is in. For some this may not be a bother, while for others switching to a different time zone can mess with the bodyclock.

Take for example when the clock changes for daylight savings in the UK. Whether we are losing an hour in spring or gaining an hour in autumn, this slight switch in time can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. Along with changes to how long we get to sleep, this can also have an impact on when your meal times are.

For some of us, this can leave us feeling hungry throughout the day as our internal clock hasn’t adapted to the different time. The same can then be said for travelling to a country in a different time zone.

While some countries are only an hour ahead or behind, other popular destinations can be two or three hours. This switch can be even more troublesome for families with children who eat and sleep at certain times. While their bodies will still be on their regular routine, the change in time can mean disruption when you arrive and when you get home too.

Thankfully there are a few holiday destinations that are currently in the same time zone as the UK, which means travellers don’t need to suffer from jet lag and its after effects.

It should be noted that some of the countries on the list only match up with the UK time during the summer months due to the countries in the United Kingdom losing an hour for daylight saving.

This also means the reverse is true. At the moment, Iceland is currently an hour behind the UK as the country stays on Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year. Therefore, when the UK gains an hour in late October, both the UK and Iceland will be in the same time zone.

Below are four holiday hotspots that are in the same time zone as the UK during the British Summer Time that will ensure your vacation goes like clockwork.

Zero jet lag countries for summer

1. Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a popular holiday spot for Brits as they typically provide warm weather from spring to autumn and are in the same time zone all year round. This means that each of the seven islands follow British Summer Time and Greenwich Mean Time as they change during the year.

The seven islands are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. The flight times from Scotland to the Canary Islands range from four hours and 20 minutes to four hours and 50 minutes, so it is crucial to bring items with you to keep you entertained while up in the air.

Over the summer months, temperatures in the Canary Islands can range from 24C to 30C, with most parts of the islands providing sunny days with little rainfall.

2. Portugal

Portugal is another country that observes Greenwich Mean Time and British Summer Time. Additionally, the island of Madeira also follows the same script. The Spanish speaking country is known for its national dishes or salt cod and grilled sardines, with the beaches in the Algarve being a major destination for holidaymakers.

Between the months of June and August, the weather is typically hot, dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25C to 35C. Flights from Scotland typically range from two hours and 45 minutes to three hours and 30 minutes depending on which part of Portugal you are interested in visiting.

However, it should be noted that the Azores are not in the same time zone as the UK, currently sitting an hour behind. This autonomous archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands that have been described as the ‘Hawaii of the Atlantic’.

3. Morocco

Situated in North Africa, Morocco is currently in the same time zone as the UK through the summer months. However, this country does not observe the transitions of daylight saving time, so during the winter months Morocco is one hour ahead of the UK.

Featuring a vibrant mix of culture, adventure and relaxation for all ages, Morocco is a great destination for a family holiday in the summer months. Along with camel rides in the Sahara Desert and colourful markets in Marrakech, families can also enjoy time at family-friendly resorts.

Flights can range between three hours and 25 minutes and four hours and 30 minutes. However, if you are someone who struggles in the heat, it may be best to visit Morocco in the cooler months as the country can exceed 40C in the height of summer.

4. Tunisia

The final holiday hotspot that will give travellers zero jet lag this summer is Tunisia. The same as Morocco, Tunisia is the same time zone as the UK in the summer months, but will switch to an hour ahead during winter.

Also in North Africa, Tunisia has a rich Roman history, while also providing access to the Sahara desert and Mediterranean beaches. Temperatures in summer can exceed 30C, but some coastal areas can offer slightly cooler sea breezes. However, travellers should be warned that the south of Tunisia can get extremely hot.

Direct flights to Tunisia take around three hours and 10 minutes to three hours and 55 minutes, however some airlines may want you to transfer making the journey longer.

Martin Trezise, of Enfield Close, appeared at Bolton Crown Court to be sentenced on Thursday, April 9.

The 35-year-old had pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of a knife in a public place and criminal damage for two separate incidents.

Roger Brown, prosecuting, said that Trezise was arrested by police in a car park in Halliwell after they began following a car they recognised.

At around 2pm on Sunday, July 14, 2024, they said a “drug dealer walked off with another man” who was then “brought back to the car”.

Trezise was sitting inside the car when officers approached it and asked him to step out of the car.

They found drugs, £735.26 in cash and a mobile phone on him, but the other two men “did not have any drugs in their possession”.

Mr Brown said Trezise “claimed the drugs were for his personal use”, but this was “challenged by the conclusion of the evidence”.

They found around 5.12g of cocaine and 1.14g of heroin on him in several “resealable plastic bags” and “plastic wraps” with a total estimated value of £550.

Mr Brown said: “The defendant was arrested and he made some comments in the interview, but many of the answers were no comment.”

He said that though Trezise had previous convictions, he “appears to have no convictions for possession of drugs excluding alcohol”.

More than a year later, on October 14, 2025, police were given “information from members of the public” about Trezise and a woman, where “something was clearly going on”.

Martin Trezise (Image: GMP)

Mr Brown said the pair were on Bridgeman Place and Trezise was “detained by the police” who found a “lock knife” inside his jacket.

He was put in the back of a police car and “began kicking the window, causing damage”.

Tom Watson, defending, said he can’t point to Trezise’s record of 16 convictions for 23 offences, including a “considerable sentence” in 2011 for GBH with intent, as a positive, “but there are gaps”.

Mr Watson said the father-of-four had “got himself a job” and “a relationship” after being released with no run-ins with the law between 2017 and 2024.

But, in what he called a “sad state of affairs”, Mr Watson said his now ex-partner has “moved on with her life”.

Mr Watson said this was “the start of him getting involved in drugs” and “began something of a downward spiral”.

He said Trezise had met a new partner, which “caused more problems”, and his mother and sister “don’t speak to him” anymore.

Mr Watson said: “He took part in a reduction programme of methadone and managed to get himself drug free – then managed to get himself completely methadone free as well.

“He’s done well ridding these drugs from his life in custody”.

He added that Trezise had “concerns about housing” and “ending up exactly where he was” after he’s released.

Mr Watson said: “This offending is not something he’s known for at all.

“Yes, it’s street dealing, but he’s taking all of the risk, and he’s almost certainly being used by others.”

He said Trezise was trying to pay off a debt of £1,200 but that he told him “it never seemed to reduce”.

Mr Watson said: “He was an addict himself at the time.

“Only time will tell, I accept that – but he’s showing the right signs and the right attitude.

“He’s already wasted enough of his life in custody, he’s going to waste more – but he doesn’t want to waste all of it.”

Recorder Nicholas Flanagan said: “It’s difficult to understand – having served a long prison sentence and managed a stable living – why you committed these offences.

“You must appreciate that drugs blight people’s lives and communities in general.”

Tresize was jailed for three years and three months.

Manchester City closed the gap to Arsenal to six points after their 3-0 win over Chelsea, with both Gary Neville and Pep Guardiola highlighting City’s advantage

The battle to win the Premier League is intensifying after Manchester City narrowed the deficit to Arsenal ahead of their meeting next Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s team swept aside Chelsea 3-0 and have their attention entirely concentrated on the Gunners next week.

The Catalan manager and Gary Neville reckon that extra preparation time could prove crucial, with Arsenal occupied by their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP this week. The north London outfit hold a one-goal lead heading into that encounter as they host their Portuguese visitors at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta faces a defining week as they subsequently travel to the Etihad, having recently suffered defeat to City in the Carabao Cup final. The teams are divided by six points following this weekend’s victory, with Guardiola’s men possessing a game in hand.

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Gary Neville reckons City will be sensing an opportunity. “We have an enormous game next Sunday, one that will define the Premier League season,” he said on Sky Sports.

“Man City smell blood. They’re heading into a free week to prepare for a monstrous clash that Pep Guardiola will relish on Sunday afternoon.”

After the triumph over Chelsea, Guardiola recognised the additional time between fixtures has already delivered benefits for City. “We have long weeks now, being out of the Champions League,” he said.

“We are more fresh, training everybody, people understand more what to do. That’s the reality.”

City’s players appear determined to shift their focus swiftly to Arsenal following their victory over the Blues. Goalscorer Jeremy Doku was emphatic that his side would be ready to take on the Gunners.

“First of all, recover, then just analyse Arsenal again, think about what my task is going to be, look at their weaknesses and strengths and believe that we did it already,” he said.

“They will come with hunger. They don’t want to just give it to us so we have to go and take it. Trust me, we’ll be well prepared.”

Addressing the significance of the upcoming clash, he added: “If you win this game, it is a big punch towards them. If you lose, it’s in their hands and we have to wait for them to lose.

“But if we win, it’s in our hands and I prefer to have it in my hands.”

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Outline permission had been sought to create a small cul‑de‑sac of five four‑bed homes on a half‑hectare paddock off Sockburn Lane, but it was refused on March 31.

Planning officers said the greenfield site is outside Neasham’s development limits and is not earmarked for any new housing schemes.

Plans for five new homes have been refused by Darlington Borough Council. (Image: NQ)

They said it broke countryside and design rules and would nibble away at the open landscape behind the village.

The plot is on Neasham’s south-eastern edge, between Sockburn Lane and rising ground towards Neasham Hill, near two Grade II-listed buildings.

Planners said the set-back homes on higher ground behind an internal access road would look “suburban” and jar with Neasham’s main-street layout.

A previous plan for two homes on the same paddock was thrown out on appeal in 2014.

Officers said the same landscape and character problems remain, and the paddock is still not suitable for open-market or self-build homes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fellow Democrats are abandoning Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor in droves after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a former staffer, with a growing number urging the congressman both to quit the race and resign his seat in Congress.

Swalwell has denied the allegations, which he has said “are absolutely false.” They surfaced after he became a leading contender in the race for California governor to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Over the weekend, with Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign already teetering, Democrats in Congress began to call for his resignation from the House. Some even said they would support the rare step of expelling him should he refuse to step aside.

Fellow California Reps. Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo said Swalwell should resign, as did Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico and Pramila Jayapal of Washington state.

“This is not a partisan issue,” Jayapal said Sunday. “This cuts across party lines. And it is depravity of the way that women have been treated.”

Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment

It all added to the mounting political pressure on Swalwell, who has already seen his most prominent supporters, including Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions, pull their endorsements and call for his exit from the race. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he was immediately ending his role.

With the House returning to session Tuesday, the question of whether to expel Swalwell could come to a head quickly. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said Saturday that she would be filing a motion to start the process.

Expulsion votes in the House are rare and require a two-thirds majority, but there is recent precedent for taking the step. Republican George Santos of New York in 2023 became just the sixth member in House history to be ousted by colleagues for his conduct.

Huffman, Jayapal and Leger Fernández said they would vote to expel Swalwell from the House, though they said they also support expelling Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, who admitted to an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.

Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who is running his own campaign for governor, said both Swalwell and Gonzales “need to go home” and that he would vote to expel them both.

Khanna also indicated support for congressional action against both lawmakers.

“So, it depends on if it’s worded in a fair way,” Khanna said. “But this shouldn’t be about politics. Anyone who abuses young girls and staffers should not be in the United States Congress.”

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday about allegations that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman in 2019 and 2024. The woman said she did not go to police at the time of the assaults because she was afraid she would not be believed.

The woman worked for Swalwell when the first alleged assault occurred in 2019, while the 2024 assault allegedly occurred at a charity gala, the Chronicle reported. In both cases the woman said she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.

The paper didn’t name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.

The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said Saturday that it was investigating. That office urged anyone with knowledge to contact its special victims division.

After the allegations surfaced, Swalwell said Friday in a video on social media that he would spend the weekend with family and friends and share an update “very soon.” He is not running for reelection for his House seat.

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have,” the congressman said.

Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker who remains a dominant force in California politics, said the “serious allegations” must be investigated. She said she spoke to Swalwell and suggested that be done “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and his leadership team also called for an investigation and for Swalwell to end his campaign for governor.

Jayapal and Donalds appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” and Khanna was interviewed on “Fox News Sunday.”

Neighbourhood officers in Barnard Castle said they had been contacted by residents in Cockfield and Cockfield Fell who were concerned about bikes being ridden in the area.

One off-road bike was seized after it was spotted being ridden on the fell, while a second bike was stopped after it was seen on a public road.

Police said both riders will be dealt with for moving traffic offences.

A spokesperson from Barnard Castle Police said: “Both suspects will be dealt with for the moving traffic offences, and further patrols will be completed in the coming weeks.”

The Eagle and Child, on Whalley Road, has asked Bury Council for lawful consent to install the large structure in its outdoor seating area.

Planning papers say it is similar to a cabin and can be “erected and taken down within a day”.

Drawings show the upgrade would be metal, have windows, and is listed as a “flat pack” facility.

The planning documents say: “Lawful development certificate for proposed provision of a moveable structure within the pub beer garden.

“The moveable structure is less than 50 sq m in size and does not exceed two metres in height. It is not within two metres of a boundary with a residential property.

“The structure is not fixed to the ground but held in place by its own weight. The structure can be erected and taken down within the day.”

No further details have been set out about the purpose of the structure.

Thwaites, which runs the venue, has been contacted for more information, and Bury Council’s planning department will review the application at a later date..

Durham Cathedral and Castle were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, with celebrations planned in both venues to mark the milestone.

Events will take place on Saturday, April 18, to mark both the anniversary and World Heritage Day.

Talks, tours, exhibitions and family-friendly events will be held.

Durham Cathedral (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham Cathedral will host presentations in the Bishop’s Dining Room beginning at 10.45am with a welcome from Anne Allen, Senior Manager at Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site.

A wider programme published by World Heritage UK is themed ‘The People’s Story at Durham Castle.’

The day will begin at 9.30am with Durham Cathedral open to visitors.

The cathedral museum will open at 10am, hosting an exhibition and short talks at 11am, 1pm and 3pm under the title “A Treasure and a Legacy: Conservation at Durham Cathedral.”

Palace Green Library will be open from 11am to 4pm, offering free access to the Museum of Archaeology and the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre.

Visitors will also be able to explore parts of Durham Castle, including the Norman Chapel and Great Hall.

A heritage fair will take place in the Great Hall, featuring displays from local history groups and the World Heritage Site Youth Ambassadors.

Durham Cathedral describes the site as one of the largest and most untouched Norman‑style constructions in England, with architecture considered “far ahead of its time.”

It is also celebrated for its religious significance, with links to St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.

Durham was among the first group of seven UK sites inscribed on the World Heritage list.

Speaking to Sky News on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Health Secretary Wes Streeting slammed the US president for his explosive social media statements.

He said Trump had been saying “incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media”, adding any agreement with Iran has been “undoubtedly strained” with the Trump administration.

“Over the course of the last week, President Trump has said some pretty bold – in ‘Yes Minister’ language – incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media.

“I think we’ve all come to learn that you judge President Trump through what he does, not just what he says.

“And ultimately, the only way in which we’re going to clear this situation up is to reach agreement with Iran, one that puts nuclear weapons beyond its ambitions and reach.”

However, Streeting continued: “But on so many other things, our interests as the UK and the US are intertwined.

“We are old and close friends and we’ve got a shared outlook as democratic countries and we’ve got shared security interests.”

He added: “So all of that work, all of that partnership continues to go on. And the point I’m making is you have to distinguish between some of the rhetoric which people might find shocking, and then the reality.”

Streeting reiterated the UK’s choice not to participate in the war as “the right decision”, describing it as “not a war ot our choosing”.